Polly’s Healing Center and its supporters held a benefit dinner and live auction at the Sahalee Country Club in Sammamish, Wash., on July 20. Supported by the Breath of Life Church (Seattle, Wash.), Polly’s Healing Center exists as a Christian response to domestic violence, offering a safe, temporary haven for women and children in crisis.
The event opened with a warm welcome and words of encouragement from Gregory L. Johnson, former U.S. ambassador to the Kingdom of Swaziland. Syndicated radio announcer, Delilah Renee, served as the mistress of ceremony. Her nightly radio program is heard by over 8.5 million people and is carried on 234 stations across America and Canada. Renee shared how her love of community and personal experiences with domestic violence made her receptive to joining the shelter’s fundraising efforts.
Following the invocation by Breath of Life pastor Alonzo S. Wagner III, guests enjoyed a delicious dinner and beautiful music performed by internationally-known recording artist Walt Wagner. After dinner, Polly’s board of directors recognized two individuals who have made extraordinary efforts to make the shelter a reality: Wilson DeLancy, the project coordinator for the renovation of the building where the shelter is located, and Deborah Turner, the shelter’s interim director.
Mable Dunbar, Upper Columbia Conference women’s ministries director, shared the thrilling account of how God worked miracles on behalf of the first Polly’s Place shelter in Michigan. Dunbar noted how, with divine guidance, several other conferences are now establishing their own shelters.
King County executive Ron Sims offered the keynote address for the evening. An ordained Baptist minister and a committed Christian with an activist faith, Sims challenged the guests to “live the life that is asked of those of us who claim to be followers of Christ.” Quoting from Matthew 25:35–36, Sims noted that Christians are called to act on faith based on their enduring love for others. “I have never understood how people who claim to love Christ can be complacent,” said Sims. Sims praised Polly’s Healing Center as a “ministry of service” and “evidence of great faith,” while noting that “action without faith is a waste of energy; faith without action is nothing but a dream. But when you combine the two, you can move mountains.”
Generous ongoing support by local businesses, churches, individuals and volunteers will enable Polly’s Healing Center to become true keepers of our sisters in their time of need. For additional information on how you can support this ministry, please call (206) 762-6559 or e-mail pollysplaceseattle@yahoo.com.
Alonzo S. Wagner III (right) welcomes King County executive Ron Sims (left) and radio announcer Delilah Renee (center) to the fundraiser.
The lively and able prodding of auctioneers Deborah Turner (left) and Delilah Renee (right) provoked a generous response from those who participated.
